U.S. in Iraq

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ordered by then-President George W. Bush ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Almost nine years later, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave the country by the end of 2011, ending the U.S. mission. Above, U.S. Marines near Najaf in 2004.

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ordered by then-President George W. Bush ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Almost nine years later, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave the country by the end of 2011, ending the U.S. mission. Above, U.S. Marines near Najaf in 2004. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ordered by then-President George W. Bush ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Almost nine years later, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave the country by the end of 2011, ending the U.S. mission. Above, U.S. Marines near Najaf in 2004.Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times